The Federal Communications Commission ordered eight television stations owned by ABC to submit early applications for license renewals on Tuesday, escalating a dispute between the Trump administration and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, directed the stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Fresno to file by May 28, years ahead of their scheduled renewals in 2028 or later. The order cites an ongoing investigation into parent company Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices for potential violations of the Communications Act of 1934, including prohibitions on unlawful discrimination.

The move follows sharp criticism from President Trump and first lady Melania Trump of a joke Kimmel made on the April 23 episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" During a mock White House Correspondents' Dinner segment, Kimmel said Melania Trump had "a glow like an expectant widow." The comment appeared to reference the 79-year-old president's age and his wife's relative youth.

On April 27, Trump posted on Truth Social that the remark amounted to a "despicable call to violence," linking it to a shooting incident outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner two days earlier, and demanded ABC fire Kimmel immediately. Melania Trump echoed this on X, calling Kimmel's words "hateful and violent rhetoric" and urging ABC to act.

Kimmel defended the joke on his Monday show, describing it as a "very light roast" about the Trumps' age difference and rejecting claims it incited violence. He emphasized his opposition to gun violence and invoked First Amendment protections. ABC aired the episode as scheduled.

Disney responded to the FCC order by affirming its stations' compliance with regulations and commitment to public interest programming. The company expressed confidence in demonstrating its qualifications through legal channels.

FCC rules allow early renewals when needed for investigations into public interest obligations. Carr has cited evidence that Disney categorized employees by race and gender, potentially raising "character questions" for license holders. If issues are found, hearings could follow, though revocations are rare and subject to appeals.

This is not the first clash. In September 2025, ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely after Carr pressured affiliates over Kimmel's comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair preempted episodes, and Trump suggested revoking licenses for critical coverage. The show later resumed.

Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez called the action a "political stunt" protected by the First Amendment. Press advocates warned of illegal intimidation, while Carr maintains the focus is on regulatory compliance, not content.